The 2025 MLB Season Kicks Off: Contenders, Rookies, and Collecting Highlights
The 2025 Major League Baseball season burst onto the scene in late March, with Opening Day igniting the passion of fans and collectors alike. As of April 4, we’re just days into the journey, and the early buzz is palpable—both on the field and in the trading card world. The 2025 Topps Series 1 Baseball set, released in February, ties perfectly into this season’s launch, spotlighting powerhouse teams and rising rookies. Let’s dive into the contenders, the fresh faces to watch, and why collectors should take note.
A Thrilling Start: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat?
The Los Angeles Dodgers, coming off their 2024 World Series triumph, rolled into 2025 as the team everyone’s chasing. With Shohei Ohtani (card #1 in Topps Series 1) leading a stacked roster alongside Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, their Opening Day victory over the Padres sent a clear message. The New York Yankees, powered by Aaron Judge (#79, League Leaders), aren’t far behind, with Juan Soto and Gerrit Cole adding firepower. The Atlanta Braves, anchored by Matt Olson (#145), are also flexing their postseason chops early on.
Don’t sleep on the Baltimore Orioles, fueled by Gunnar Henderson (#65), or the Philadelphia Phillies, with Bryce Harper (#250) bringing veteran swagger. The Houston Astros, perennial threats with Jose Altuve (#260) and Yordan Alvarez (#244), remain in the mix despite offseason turbulence. Collectors take note: team cards (e.g., Dodgers #302, Astros #76) in Topps Series 1 are must-haves as these squads dominate the conversation.
Rookies to Watch: New Blood and Cardboard Potential
The 2025 rookie class is brimming with promise, and the Topps Series 1 checklist shines a light on names poised to make waves—and boost card values. Here’s who to keep an eye on:
- Dylan Crews (Washington Nationals, #74)
- A top prospect from LSU, Crews arrived with sky-high expectations. His debut has Nationals fans buzzing, and his “Rookie” card in Series 1 is already a collector’s chase, with parallels and autographs drawing big interest. His five-tool potential makes him a name to watch.
- Coby Mayo (Baltimore Orioles, #20)
- Mayo, a towering third baseman, brings raw power to Baltimore’s young core. His early swings have turned heads, and his Topps Series 1 “Rookie” card is climbing the ranks. Paired with the Orioles’ rising stars, his relics—like those in “Major League Material”—are sleeper picks.
- Brooks Lee (Minnesota Twins, #317)
- Lee’s smooth swing and slick defense at shortstop have Twins faithful excited. His Series 1 “Rookie” card is an affordable gem for now, but his upside hints at future value. He’s got “Heavy Lumber” written all over him.
- James Wood (Washington Nationals, #181)
- At 6’7”, Wood’s towering frame and all-around skills scream superstar potential. His Series 1 “Rookie” card is a hot commodity, and alongside Crews, he’s part of a Nationals youth movement worth collecting.
james wood doubles x2 alert 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/fC9gYyeB8P
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) March 14, 2025
Collecting Angles: Why These Rookies Matter
The 2025 Topps Series 1 set, with its 350-card base, is loaded with rookie flags, inserts like “Heavy Lumber” (e.g., Crews, Mayo), and relic cards (e.g., “Real One Relics” for Wood). These newcomers aren’t just players—they’re investments. Last year, Paul Skenes’ rookie cards soared after his debut; this class could follow suit. Search trends like “2025 MLB rookies” and “Topps Series 1 value” are climbing, signaling collector hype. Hobby Boxes are flying off shelves, with autographed rookie hits pushing resale prices higher.
What’s Next?
As April unfolds, expect the Dodgers, Yankees, and Braves to solidify their contender status, while the Orioles and Padres could shake things up. For collectors, grabbing Crews, Mayo, Lee, Merrill, and Wood cards now—before they cement their legacies—is the smart move. The 2025 Topps Series 1 Celebration Mega Box (March release) adds exclusive parallels, fueling the hunt. At Cards & Relics, we’ll track these stories all season—because every pitch, hit, and card tells a tale worth collecting.
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